China abolishes urban tuition fees

On the first day of the autumn school semester across China, a series of school policies have been put in place to improve the country's education campaign. Among them, abolishing urban tuition fees.



For the first time in three decades, the whole country's primary and junior middle school students will enjoy free education.

Last year the government abolished tuition fees and other expenses for rural families, and this year the policy has been expanded for urban students.

An Lining, student of Chongwen Primary School, said, "Before school starts, my teacher have informed me that I only have to pay for the textbooks, other school bills have been written off."

Over 28 million students in cities will benefit from this new policy and each will save about 180-350 yuan per term.

The policy also brings hope to poor families.

Bai Shulan, headmaster of Beijing Chongwen Primary School, said, "For low-income families, the textbooks are free as well. Children at boarding schools are also to receive allowances from the government."